Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Sunday condoled the death of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Shopian area of Kashmir on Friday.

“I was shocked to hear that Major Mukund Varadarajan of 44 Rashtriya Rifles posted in Sophian area of Kashmir was killed in an encounter with terrorists. I extend my deep condolences to his bereaved family members. I have ordered a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to the officer’s family,” Jayalalithaa said in a statement.

The mortal remains of the officer are likely to be flown to Chennai on Sunday, sources said, adding, his funeral would be conducted on Monday.

The encounter, in which the Major and another jawan lost their lives, ended Saturday morning. Bodies of three militants have also been recovered.

Security forces launched a search operation in Karewa Malino in Shopian, 55 kms from Srinagar on April 25, following information about presence of three militants — two locals and one foreigner.

The militants were asked to surrender but they resorted to firing, triggering the gunfight. The identity of the slain militants could not be ascertained immediately.

Shopian is part of Anantnag Parliamentary constituency and the encounter took place a day after militants carried out an attack on a polling party escorted by police and CRPF in the district at the end of the voting on Thursday.

One polling officer was killed while five others including three security personnel were injured in the incident.